Alcohol use disorder, also known as alcoholism, is a disorder where someone has an (uncontrollable) desire to consume alcohol despite the potential consequences. Therefore, the definition of an alcoholic person is someone who lives with alcohol use disorder.
An alcoholic person is unable to stop drinking. They are so physically and mentally dependent on alcohol, making them unable to control how much they consume. About 15.1 million adults in the USA have an alcohol use problem, according to research and statistics.
The Causes of Alcohol Use Disorder
There is no exact cause of alcoholism. Research has shown there can possibly be a genetic component, but this isn’t the case for everyone. However, women who drink more than three drinks, and men who have more than four drinks a day are at risk of developing alcoholism. Also, factors like family history, mental health problems, stress, and peer pressure can play a role.
How Do I Know if Someone Is an Alcoholic Person?
The definition of an alcoholic person or, rather, classifying someone as an alcoholic can be tricky. Sometimes, alcoholism can be difficult to recognize due to how socially acceptable drinking alcohol is.
Many people occasionally drink alcohol; some drink it often, some binge drink, and some abuse it, but they are not necessarily alcohol addicts. Thus, it’s hard to point out the difference between someone who has a drinking problem and someone who just likes to drink.
Below are some signs someone you know may be suffering from alcoholism:
- The compulsion to drink alcohol and unable to put to cut it down
- Drinking alcohol in larger amounts than intended
- Frequent intoxication, blackout drinking
- Thinking about alcohol often
- Drastic personality changes after drinking like becoming violent, abusive, or out of character
- Lack of interest in previously normal activities
- Lying about drinking, hiding drinking patterns, spending a lot on drinking
- Denial, denying the existence of a drinking problem
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Weight loss
- Using alcohol while driving, operating machinery, or other hazardous situations
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems
- Poor hygiene
- Problems with work, school, and relationships
- Financial issues related to drinking
How Can I Help My Loved One Go to Rehab for an Alcohol Addiction?
If someone you love is showing symptoms of alcoholism, getting help for them may be difficult. However, here are some ways to motivate your loved ones to go to rehab:
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Educate Yourself
The first thing you can do to help your loved one is to understand alcoholism and addiction. Find resources to know the definition of an alcoholic person, the triggers, and the recovery process to help you assist them better.
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Talk to Them About It
If your loved ones won’t listen to you, get someone they will listen to. You can also get the intervention of someone they respect, like a religious leader or mental health professional.
Be open-minded with your questions, show empathy, and avoid criticizing them. Let them know they need to get help, but don’t push them.
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Find a Treatment Center
Research and find a rehab program for your loved one, even if they are yet to accept to go for treatment. There are a lot of resources online to help you find the right facility.
For example, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) has an online search engine to find addiction treatment centers.
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Lead With Support
Know that recovering from alcoholism is a complicated process. Your loved one needs your support even after they decide to go to rehab. Show support to your loved ones to help them recover and prevent relapse.
You can find help in peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous to find tips and resources on helping your loved ones. There are also resources such as books and research that can help you gain an understanding of addiction and how to help a loved one.
Let Enlight Treatment Center Help Today
If you are searching for an effective solution for addiction or are helping a loved one find a rehab, Enlight Treatment Center is here to help! We are an inpatient rehab that offers detox and comprehensive aftercare solutions. Call us today to learn more about our addiction treatment solutions. A member from our team is waiting for your call!
